The University of Lagos Postgraduate Students’ Association (UNILAG-PSA) on Thursday, September 10, 2026, launched a campus-wide environmental sanitation initiative tagged “ Operation Clean UNILAG ” to promote cleanliness, environmental responsibility and safety within the University community.
The exercise, which commenced at the School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS) building, extended to various Faculties and Units across the University’s Main Campus.
Promoting Environmental Responsibility
Speaking at the launch, the Sub-Dean, Faculty of Creative Arts, Associate Professor Cornel Onyekaba, who represented the Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, emphasised the need for the University community to embrace a sustained culture of environmental responsibility rather than adopting superficial approaches to cleanliness.
He highlighted the dangers of indiscriminate waste disposal, particularly the practice of dumping refuse in canals, and noted that scholars have an important role to play in educating the public about the environmental and ecological consequences of such practices.
According to him, Operation Clean UNILAG represents a formal commitment to improving the University’s environment while extending environmental awareness beyond the campus through community engagement. He therefore urged students and staff to become responsible stewards of their environment.
Initiative Commended
Also speaking, Professor Joseph B. Minari, commended the UNILAG-PSA Executive for initiating the campaign, describing it as an effort capable of setting a benchmark for campus hygiene in tertiary institutions across the country.
Professor Minari explained that the initiative was designed to mobilise volunteers for a roadshow across the University community to raise awareness about environmental cleanliness and responsible waste management.
He expressed optimism that the initiative would inspire other higher education institutions to adopt similar programmes aimed at creating cleaner and healthier learning environments.
‘My Campus, My Responsibility’
The President of UNILAG-PSA, Mr Kunle Owolabi, appreciated the volunteers for their active participation in the sanitation exercise, which was carried out under the slogan, “ My Campus, My Responsibility .”
He encouraged participants to ensure that waste was properly collected and disposed of, using brooms, pickers and waste bags provided for the exercise.
Safety and Hazard Awareness
In his remarks, the PA Safety Manager, Mr Abdulhakeem Abioye Shittu, stressed the importance of identifying and addressing potential environmental hazards within the University community.
He cautioned against exposed electrical wiring and physical obstructions that could endanger members of the University community. He also advised participants to use protective masks when working in areas with unpleasant odours and to exercise caution around vehicular traffic, particularly at pedestrian crossings.
Mr Shittu urged members of the University community to promptly report identified hazards to the appropriate authorities, noting that proactive identification, reporting and management of environmental risks are essential to preventing injuries and maintaining a safe campus.
Waste bins were also distributed across participating Faculties, Units and Departments to support proper waste disposal and sustain the sanitation effort.
The cleaning exercise covered several locations, including the Henry Carr SPGS Hostel; Faculties of Education, Life Sciences, Theatre Arts, Social Sciences, Engineering, Arts, Management Sciences, Law and Environmental Sciences; Distance Learning Institute (DLI);UNILAG Medical Centre; and Office of the Dean, Student Affairs Division, among others.
The Operation Clean UNILAG initiative underscores the commitment of UNILAG-SPA to fostering environmental consciousness, promoting responsible sanitation practices and contributing to a cleaner, safer and healthier University community.
Report: Oluwatoyin Ojo-Alo
Photograph: Lawrence Oyebanji (Intern)
